Auditioning for Master Singers To Go

Master Singers To Go is a 16 member singing group which brings choral music to a wide array of audiences. During 2005-2006, MSTG sang at varied venues including the Worcester Art Museum, Tuckerman Hall/Dean Hall, Worcester Club, Worcester Tornadoes, Forest Grove Middle School, Temple Emanuel, Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, Tatnuck Park Assisted Living, Briarwood Retirement Community, Worcester Singles and many more. We perform often, about 25 times annually, and in the summer of 2006 performed our first concert tour in Northern New England (Vermont and New Hampshire) and became involved in our first recording project, a CD of choral music of Jim Scott.

Master Singers To Go was founded in 2003 and is directed by Matt Johnsen. Our members both love music and have a great time singing together.

MSTG provides an opportunity for its members to stretch their musical wings, singing a wide variety of music, including modern, contemporary, madrigals, theater pieces, and a wide array of other songs. Some songs feature solo opportunities. These are distributed among members of the group.

Membership and Audition Procedure

  1. MSTG is open to talented singers who meet the vocal needs of the ensemble. Occasionally, openings on a given part are announced to the full ensemble of Master Singers of Worcester. Singers who have been members of MSW for at least 4 months may audition.
  2. Selection to MSTG is based on audition with the members of the group. Typically this includes:
    • Solo performance of a piece of music the singer knows well.
    • Participation in an MSTG rehearsal.
    • Sight reading your part of piece written 4 part harmony with other member of MSTG.
    • Selection is based on a vote of the members.
  3. Because it is difficult to completely assess the talents of an individual, as well as how new voices blend within the ensemble during a brief audition, new singers will be admitted on a probationary basis – with a 3-month period that either the singer or the group can determine that the match is a good one.

Member Expectations

  1. Rehearsals
    MSTG rehearses most Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm in the choir room at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. On Tuesdays when MSW is off, MSTG rehearses from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. MSTG schedules additional rehearsals based on need and member availability at other times–often Saturday or Sunday afternoons. These may be at member’s homes. While MSTG takes some time off, most of the year, MSTG rehearsals and performances continue.
  2. Communication
    We use a Google Group to communicate – please check your email prior to rehearsals and performances, as this is how we provide rehearsal and performance orders.
  3. Attendance
    Members are expected to regularly attend each rehearsal which tend to be short and filled to the brim. If you cannot attend because of work, sickness or a personal issue, or if you will be late, please call Matt at 508-494-2522 prior to the beginning of the rehearsal.
  4. Performances
    Members are expected to do their best to participate in performances. Sometimes, due to space limitations of a venue, the entire group will not be needed. In this case, members will be told who should attend. In other cases, work obligations keep members from attending a performance. Whenever you know you won’t be unable to attend, please let Matt and other members of their section know that you won’t be there.
  5. Musicianship
    Members are expected to be good musicians, and to learn their music quickly and efficiently. This takes personal responsibility and active learning.
    • There is limited time in practice to go over music note-by-note. We try to use efficient techniques to learn new music. If you need help on a passage – please ask for it when you recognize that you are having difficulty.
    • If a section has difficulty with a piece, please ask for a sectional rehearsal on that piece.
    • Please be prepared to put in time beyond the rehearsal to learn the music as necessary.
  6. Independence
    In performance, each member is expected to know his/her parts well enough to sing them independently. That is, each singer should to be able to hold his/her own part while standing next to members of other sections. We perform in blended formation to enhance the audience’s overall experience of the music.
  7. Musical Excellence and Member Input
    We want to make the strongest musical statements we can make with a choir our size. This comes down to repertoire, sound, blend, accuracy, precision of entrances and cutoffs, ensemble, and to some extent, showmanship. Members should be willing to work closely with the director and other members of the ensemble to make this happen. Each member provides input to create the most effective performance we can.
  8. Respect and Criticism
    Willingness to accept and provide constructive criticism is a critical aspect of involvement in the group. Such comments should be made in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
  9. Financial Assistance
    If you are not able to participate in an event because you cannot afford it, please bring this to Matt’s attention and we’ll try to figure out a way that you can be involved.
  10. Finding Ways to Help MSTG
    Each member should strive to find a way to assist in the overall operations of the group. Here are a few ways members can help:
    • Singing solos or in other small groups
    • Volunteering to take on announcement duties
    • Helping with booking and publicity
    • Setup/take-down for performances or rehearsals
    • Selling tickets (where relevant)
    • Making sure that members have music.
    • Choreography on selected numbers
    • Writing pieces to be sung by our group
    • Suggesting pieces to be sung by our group
    • Making practice tapes/ cds/ files of particular music.